Shirley M. Skoczenski

Shirley M. Skoczenski, 97, of Waterville and formerly of Saco, passed away in Medford, Massachusetts, on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

A lifelong Mainer for her first 89 years, Shirley was born in Skowhegan on December 26, 1927, daughter of Peter and Nellie (Gilbert) Riel. She graduated from Skowhegan High School and Bloomfield Academy, class of 1945.

Shirley's love story began with the tragic passing of her brother. PFC Robert Riel was killed in the line of duty during World War II in France. She met her future husband Alfred Skoczenski as he accompanied Robert's remains back to his home town of Skowhegan. The couple married on November 27, 1948.

Shirley was deeply devoted to her family. As her six children got older, Shirley went to work at Mid Maine Medical Center in Waterville as a telephone switchboard operator. Her career there spanned for 25 years, retiring in 1989.

Shirley had many interests, including travel, reading, bingo and the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. But none compared to her family, and she loved nothing more than to gather everyone together for a big Sunday dinner, creating many happy memories.

She was predeceased by her husband Alfred in 1993, by sons Brian Skoczenski in 2014 and Michael Skoczenski in 2025.

She is survived by four children: Robert Skoczenski (Parise) of Florida, Alfred Skoczenski Jr. of Washington, Cheryl Tebolt (William) of Florida and Ann Skoczenski of Massachusetts; as well as daughter-in-law Alison Skoczenski (Brian) of Maine. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Eric Skoczenski (Shelby), Brian Skoczenski (Allison), Peter Skoczenski, Ellen Riel (Ashley), Julia Major (Nathan), Elizabeth Manz (Brady), Evan Skoczenski, Hannah Duffy (Chris), Grace Natole (Nate), and Nathan Skoczenski.

Shirley took great pride and joy in her 13 great grandchildren: Robert, Dominic, Atticus, Lydia, Emelina, Olin, Faela, Josie, Jack, Molly, Finnegan, Elsie, Sullivan, and Levi.

At Shirley's wishes, services will be private. Burial will be at a later date in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. To view Shirley's memorial page or leave an online condolence please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com. In Shirley's memory, donations may be made to The Red Sox Foundation.